Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Imagine the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the rich scent of butter, as tender chunks of chicken sizzle away in a golden pool of flavor. Garlic butter chicken tenders are not just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate, inviting you to dive in and savor every juicy bite.

This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something quick and delicious without sacrificing flavor. Picture yourself enjoying these succulent tenders after a long day, served with crispy fries or fresh veggies. The anticipation builds as you imagine that first bite—crispy on the outside, tender and buttery on the inside.

There was that one time I made these garlic butter chicken tenders for my family during a game night. Everyone loved them so much they forgot about the game entirely!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to better control the dish’s overall saltiness.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color while frying.

• Dried Oregano: This herb adds an aromatic touch that complements the garlic beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make garlic butter chicken tenders

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. This ensures even cooking while maximizing that delightful crunch you’ll crave.

Melt That Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with a splash of olive oil. This combination prevents burning while enhancing flavor.

Add Garlic Goodness: Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—stirring constantly to avoid burning those precious cloves.

Crisp Up Those Tenders: Carefully add the chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Season Like a Pro: Midway through cooking, sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in that luscious garlic-butter sauce.

Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked through and gloriously golden, remove from heat and plate up those tenders. Drizzle any remaining buttery goodness from the pan over top for an extra flavor kick.

With these steps completed, you’ll have a plateful of irresistible garlic butter chicken tenders ready to impress! Enjoy them with your favorite sides or simply by themselves—they’re that good!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken tenders in garlic butter until golden brown, then finish cooking them in the oven for juicy perfection. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spices or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. You can also toss in some veggies while cooking for a complete one-pan meal.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain their deliciousness without drying them out.

Sharing this dish with friends always brings back memories of laughter and joy around my dinner table. It’s amazing how food can forge connections and create lasting bonds.

FAQ

What side dishes pair well with garlic butter chicken tenders?

Garlic butter chicken tenders go great with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to maintain proper texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

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Garlic butter chicken tenders are a quick and delicious weeknight meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Juicy, tender chicken strips are seared in a rich garlic-butter sauce, creating a crispy exterior and a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Pair these flavorful tenders with your favorite sides—like crispy fries or fresh veggies—for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into tender-sized strips for even cooking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add chicken strips to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper; toss gently to coat in the garlic-butter sauce.
6. Serve hot, drizzling any remaining sauce over the tenders.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tender (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice or your favorite spices beforehand. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in the skillet for a one-pan meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently in a skillet.